The Vortex VLR is made in Italy. There are no two stoke engines made in the US for karting at this time.
Good 219 pitch chains are about $60 I think?
It varies, but it’s not universal that you will need new tires for each race, especially starting out.
Very few are offering a class for it at this time. A mixed 100cc class will be adopted at some tracks next year. It looks like it will be allowed in the mixed 100cc class in your area.
Generally, yes. One top end with a bottom every second top. Of course it depends how many races and practice days you end up covering in a season. figure sub $200 for a top and around $500 for a bottom. So budget for $900 in maintenance during the season. Vs probably zero for the 206
The VLR is usually run in a class of it’s own, or in combination with the KA. They are within tenths of each other.
Honestly, it sounds like you’re on a budget and will likely be running more than one kart. Get a couple of 206 based karts, some sets of used tires and start turning laps. Podiums generally don’t happen in the first season, unless it’s an uncompetitive class.
The VLR is a fine, quality 100cc package. But at this point I don’t think it’s the right package for you.